Korean Pumpkin Pancakes

Pumpkin is, perhaps, the trademark vegetable of Autumn and here I am… posting one pumpkin recipe in the spring time.

(Oh, Holly! Be aware of season! )

I went to a grocery store to buy zucchinis but came home with a piece of pumpkin instead. All because, when I saw a few displayed on the shelf, I felt bad that I didn’t eat enough pumpkin last fall.

I bet I am the only weird cook who felt bad about not eating enough pumpkin during fall/winter season in the beginning of March. Or maybe I just wanted to hold on to the time of past and not being ready for the changes that are coming ahead (=a sign of aging).

Anyway, I gave some thoughts on what I am going to do with my pumpkin friend and decided to make 늙은 호박전(neulgun hobak jeon), which translates to “the aged pumpkin pancakes”.

Yes, an aged pumpkin works the best which holds fully developed flavor and texture. When a Korean pumpkin gets older(?) the skin holds white powdery surface over their beige-sh orange color. I used Australian pumpkin (similar to Kabocha pumpkin) that was available in the store. Any pumpkins should work fine.

This is slightly sweet and savory pancakes which can be whipped together so fast. The only drawback is you need to slice the pumpkin to thin matchsticks. But if you have a food processor the whole thing can be put together within a blink of an eye. Just saying…

Had an enough pumpkin in the fall? Then, put a bookmark on this page and wait until next fall.

I had an unfortunate event happened a few days ago. I was driving my car and got stuck in a traffic on the way to pick up my son from his after school activity. I was attacked by a motorcyclist robber. He banged passenger side window of my car to snatch my purse. Luckily I left my purse on the floor and he couldn’t reach to the purse. (He has to have an elastic arm to reach to the purse that was left on the floor of an SUV vehicle from his scooter type motor bike. I don’t know what he was thinking!)

After all, he gave up and drove off. I couldn’t chase him down due to being caught in the traffic. The whole thing happened within 3 seconds, the longest! Lightening fast! I was left stunned, speechless, and helpless.

Fortunately I was unharmed and my purse was safe, but the passenger side window was broken with million pieces of glass covering the seat. I heard about this type of “smash and grab” robbery many times from other people and I finally got my story to tell.

However, I am very thankful that I was safe. It could have been worse. Because I had my Nikon camera in the purse, so if the purse got stolen, I wouldn’t be able to post any recipes in my blog for who knows how long.

Put pumpkin slices in a bowl and sprinkle with sugar and salt, toss together, and let it sit for 15 minutes to extract moisture. Do not drain.

Add flour and mix well. Adjust amount of flour depends on the amount of liquid extracted from pumpkin. let the mixture sit for 5 minutes.

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over med-low heat. Spread 2-3 tablespoonful of pumpkin batter to thin layer (Adjust the size of pancakes as you desire). Place chili slices on top, if using.

Cook 2-3 minutes on each side or until you get slight golden crust on both sides and the pumpkin gets soft. Press with a spatula gently to sear the surface as you flip to the other side. Drizzle more oil when needed.

Serve hot with dipping sauce. The pancakes is good either way, with or without the dipping sauce.

Comments

Holly, that motorcycle robber story is TERRIFYING! I am so so glad you are safe and didn't even end up having your purse stolen. All is good that ends well, I suppose. Did you lock eyes with him? Can you describe him to the police?

This is my first time leaving a comment on your website. I've been drooling over on your beautiful photographs of food for a while! This recipe is very creative. I've never thought of using a sweet pumpkin for a Korean pancake. Thanks for sharing such a beautiful recipe. I think I will give it a try. It is fall here (in Australia). A great excuse for me to make this dish! Also I am so glad that you are safe from the car robbery. It must be such a horrifying experience!

Gosh...nowadays the security and safety in the country has deteriorate and looks like the police/govt are not doing anything at all to give assurance to the public and people so looks like we have to take good care of ourselves....nevertheless, glad that you are safe. Take care.

Wow, that attempted robbery was so brazen. It must have been scary - so glad that you're safe and that you didn't lose anything. But what a pain having your window replaced! Anyway, love this recipe! I'll eat pumpkin anytime, although it's getting a bit tough to find. Or maybe I just haven't been looking!

Hi, this is my first time reading your blog and i love the recipes. I'm glad you're fine. I have been in a same situation once :(. Anyways, do you mind if i ask you what camera you used for those pictures? I want to start practicing taking pictures of my dishes before i start my own blog ^^. Unfortunately, i have no idea about photography :(.

that sounds so scary, and I can't believe the first thing you thought of was whether your camera of food photos will be gone! lol what about your own safety!? glad nothing happened in the end. and glad you did manage topost these lovely photos and yummy recipe! I love pumpkin fritters, this soudns pretty similar, but love the idea of the jkorean style dipping sauce. yummy! haven't been here in a while but am glad I saw this post :) x

This is perfect timing! The "aged pumpkins" are at a peak right now, nice and old, and I'm lucky enough to be able to get real Korean style pumpkins here. I also have periodic pumpkin cravings, which I satisfied last year making pumpkin kimchi - maybe I'll get a big pumpkin and do both!
Stay safe, it's scary out there. :(

Here's to always mixing up the seasons' offerings -- there's nothing like a bit of "fall" to soothe one's "spring" :) Glad the robbery was only as bad as a broken window, though I'd never wish even that experience on anyone. Wishing you only the sweetest culinary adventures from here on.

Oh wow, scary...that's one of those moments that we think it will never happen to me, right? I am glad that you are alright..but I'm sorry for the car!
I love your pancakes--my absolute favorites are kimchijeon, but would love to try with pumpkin too since i love pumpkin taste. Thanks for the recipe Holly and beautiful pictures!

OMG. I'm glad you are safe! This kind of thing we hear from news...not from you! And you are the victim! You are funny you were worried about camera.. thank you for thinking of us! ;) I love kabocha! This is such a vibrant color and so appetizing!

Oh dear Holly :( so sorry to hear about the attempted robbery. Tis is the second time this week i have heard this same tactic happened to people i know, the first one that happened, the lady had a miscarriage because of the trauma, so terrible. Glad that you are unharmed and your handbag was not stolen. I must be diligent from now on and put my handbag on the car floor. Thanks for sharing another great recipe, bookmarked this to try soon.

Oh no Holly, really sorry to hear about the attempted robbery, but glad to know you are safe AND that your purse didn't get taken!
The pumpkin pancakes sound GREAT and especially because it looks so simple to make!

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